The best form of defence in my case is to take it to the bowlers Kevin Pietersen

Pietersen scored 142 from 157 balls to become the first England player since Graham Gooch in 1990 to score hundreds in three consecutive home tests.

"He played a brilliant innings," said Sri Lanka off-spinner Muralitharan.

"He was dominating the bowlers and it was one of the best innings I've seen. He has got everything in his armoury. His natural game is to be aggressive."

One of the highlights of Pietersen's innings was a spectacular reverse sweep which flew away for six, earning the bowler's admiration.

"I've played against so many aggressive batsmen - Brian Lara, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Sachin Tendulkar - and I think he's on the top of the world," Muralitharan added.

"He has more power than any other player and the way he plays he takes his chances, but most of the time he succeeds."

Pietersen refused to say whether it was his best Test hundred but said he was pleased that he was starting to convert 50s into centuries.

"I kicked myself when I got off the plane from India because I didn't get a hundred there.

"I am just trying to set myself high standards and perform to the best of my ability. I know when I am in good nick I have to cash in."

Pietersen's knock helped England to a first-innings lead of 154 before Sri Lanka ended the day on 86-4 still 68 away from making the home side bat again.

He hit some fine shots off Muralitharan, but said: "I don't go after him intentionally. I just like to play a bit positive and hit in my areas.

"The best form of defence in my case is to take it to the bowlers but the reverse sweep for six was naughty. I don't think I'll play that again."